Police: Fleeing suspect helped by unwitting citizens

SENDAI, Japan, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Japanese police said a suspect who fled a police station may have been helped by unsuspecting locals who gave him a ride and winter clothes.

Investigators said Petro Vladimirovic Shchus, 25, fled the Sendai-Chuo Police Station in Miyagi Prefecture while he was being questioned on suspicion of assault Nov. 13. He was wearing only a T-shirt and sweat pants with no shoes at the time of his escape, The Mainichi Shimbun reported Friday.

Police said Shchus, who told officers he was a university student, turned himself in about 26 hours after his escape at a police post in Shichigahama, about 12 miles away. He was wearing a black suit and baseball cleats when he reported to the station.

Investigators said they determined Shchus got a ride from a motorist who was unaware that he had escaped from police custody and a resident of Tagajo told police he gave the suspect a long-sleeved shirt and slippers.

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